Editors Note

For once, I was quite relieved to get to work on Monday morning. The weekend had been a long and exhausting one, and I was confident that I would be able to while away at least 2 days in "detox" unmolested, pretending to be gazing industriously at my PC screen.

There were a number of unrelated factors that all contributed towards this sorry state of affairs. However, if I am allowed to carefully re-examine the goings-on over the weekend, I would have to admit that the killer blows, from which I never really managed to recover, were delivered shortly after 16h30 on Saturday.

As a strident fan of the NZ/Aus/SA triumvirate, I do not readily gush about the Six Nations Championships. However, the present breed of lads from TW2, London, has caused a number of disquieting rumblings deep in my bowels over the last 6 months, not the least following their 21-15 win over the World Champions in November and their 29-9 drubbing of the Springboks a week later.

On the other hand, the Crazy Gang from Landsdowne Road are perennial favourites of mine, and their own famous fifty-point demolition of Wales two weeks ago seemed to indicate that these woolly men from Eire were not going to be shunted aside by England without a hand-to-hand grapple to the death. Indeed, Guinness-guzzling Irishmen (and their part-time allies like myself) looked forward to the game against their old tormentors with a strong dose of reckless confidence, despite the fact that that arch-mongrel one-man demolition unit, Keith Wood, was still poorly.

The first thing that I noticed after kickoff was that the Irishmen did not seem to start the match as is their custom, ie like 15 bewildered lunatics caught in a force 10 hurricane. Their rugby in the opening exchanges of the match seemed crafted and controlled, which was disturbing. Sadly for the Men in Green, bereft of their skipper, the England XV began to take control early on, and it can simply be said that the Irishmen ran into a Pom outfit that, for almost 40 minutes, could do almost no wrong. With Jonny Wilkinson in sublime form and with their backs and forwards linking effortlessly, England were unstoppable. Sweeping backline movements, followed by sudden forays into the middle, often led by a rampant tight forward, were the order of the afternoon.

And this is where my troubles started. For once not especially passionate about either XV, I had the luxury of sitting back and enjoying enterprising, skilful rugby. However, I was far from the safety of my own lounge, and had found myself deep in Injun territory, amongst a host of jovial rugger fans, all quaffing vast quantities of a mysterious golden juice. Warming to my new friends, I cheered and roared as, time and again, the swell of white jerseys surged towards the Irish tryline. Tankards were raised and amber liquids were sloshed around, as we celebrated each glorious try.

Not unexpectedly, I was a spent force by the second half, which I spent mumbling incoherently and dribbling in a dark corner. Kind damsels offered soothing words of encouragement to the fallen warrior, but he was beyond redemption and, thus incapacitated, was able to resist all temptations to re-enter the fray, for the time being anyway. England were not much better, and a spirited Irish fight-back at least lent the score some respectability.

Yep, the first half was golden and the second half bronze, but how grand it was while it lasted. Luckily I did get a second wind a short time later, which spurred me on to further heroic deeds on distant battlefields. But that's another story altogether.

tom@rugbyforum.co.za

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The rugby world’s premier provincial rugby competition begins amidst the controversy of New Zealand’s failure to endorse the Super 14 concept. There are many cynicists who will bark out that New Zealand were only serving their own selfish interests; against the will of the other two countries.

In reality the New Zealanders are looking at the revenue structures embodied by the current provisions and they are not satisfied with their slice of the cake. Australia and South Africa can scream bloody murder for as long as they like, without forgetting that they agreed to the original provisions set up with the media magnates several years ago. 

The Australian “boss” was the most outraged, calling the entire affair a treachery. South Africa on the other hand was less castigating whilst still being quite irritated by the whole situation. Rian Oberholzer was probably mad because this is the second time in a month that he has been taken for a “good old walk down memory lane”, first he gets the sloppy handshake of commitment from Harry Viljoen and now he gets the same kind of treatment from the New Zeeland rugby officialdom. That is two strikes down and who knows if the debate around the selection of the new national coach will make it three strikes. It must be really frustrating for someone who so brilliantly negotiated the Nike sponsorship deal and has managed the “temple of doom” almost as efficiently as his Uncle to be found wanting at his own game.

The loose talk about perhaps continuing without the New Zealanders in the future is complete nonsense and would play straight into the hands of the Northern Hemisphere. A team like England would like nothing more than to see the Southern Hemisphere battling at the professional management of the sport, after they had the front running. At the end of the day rugby will also not benefit from in fighting of this nature. I am sympathetic to both the Australian and South African domestic programs. Australia desperately needs a fourth team in the competition to bolster the development of the game in their country. South Africa sits with a similar predicament in that they need to build the game in previously disadvantaged communities and they need additional revenue to make the game truly representative of South Africans as a whole.

New Zealand wants more money and that is as simple as it gets for them, they have neither the infrastructure nor the ability to compete with Australia when it comes to the development of sport in their country, rugby is by far the most popular sport and yet it cannot compete with the other two countries in terms of revenue generation.

South Africa and Australia need to bury their pride for the time being, not forgetting that this is the second time in less than two years that the officialdom of New Zealand sport has pulled a fast trick at the last minute, or are we forgetting the Football World Cup voting scandal for the hosting of the worlds largest sport. The officials in both countries need to thoroughly prepare for the next round of negotiations around the sponsorship of the competition and make sure that they bring New Zealand to task. That should not be too difficult considering the bond that has inadvertently been created between them.

des@rugbyforum.co.za

Well well well, its Super 12 time and what do we have in stall for the local hopeful? South Africa’s challenge in this year’s Super 12 is a bit of a mixed bag, with many of their top players out of the opening half of the competition the Cats and Stormers look a bit vulnerable. The Bulls are a bit raw even though James Dalton assures us that he will bring some “calmness” to the side’s many youngsters while the Sharks look a very solid squad with enough depth, experience and talent. On e by one.

The Bulls

Hands up those who are by now “gatvol” of the promises and the predictions of a string of Bulls’ coaches, captains and players. The time has come to produce and fortunately for this young team and their coach not much is expected of them. The pressure may be high in Pretoria but bookies and followers over the world expect nothing but a wooden spoon.

The team has some exciting talent with the likes of world class lock Vic Matfield, his presence in the lineouts will disrupt many a team’s careful laid plans. Supporting him is the old firebrand, James Dalton – a brilliant player at his peak with loads of attitude and more important accustomed to the winning feeling. The rest of the pack are fairly unknown but Danie Rossouw, Harry Viljoen’s surprise end of year selection might want to use this competition as his entrée into the big time. At least afi cionados will get the opportunity to see the lad play! 

The backline is potentially one of South Africa’s best, brimming with speed and class they will test most opposition defences. Groenewald will provide one of the leading flyhalf contenders, Jaco van der Westhuyzen with ample time and space to launch dangerous and nippy centers like Jacobs and Welsch into space. Wylie Human is a proven finisher at this level and Gavin Passens has a lot to prove after some unfortunate injuries.

The depth in the squad is a bit worrying and the experience thin especially with new captain, Chris le Roux. He may be a very talented player and charming lad but he may find the going rough in his first season against some of the meanest “ooms” in the rugby world and burdened with the captaincy.

In Heynecke Meyer the Bulls have a progressive coach with international experience and hopefully the “vibe” at Loftus will raise the players who have a favourable draw.

The Cats

Semi-finalist for two years running, the Cats will find the going slightly tougher this year, a difficult draw, an injury list from hell and the absence of ever-green Andre Venter for the first time in the history of the competition.

The team has once again a robust look to it and the forwards can be expected to dominate with the Laurie Mains inspired tactics however devoid of the world class services and inspiration of Rassie Erasmus, they lack a star. Hard grafters do win, the Ausie Winter Olympic gold medallist can attest to that but flair and something special is needed to do it week in and week out. Hopefully the injuries clear in good time before the campaign turns into a nightmare.
The backs comprise of probably the most gifted players in Gcobani Bobo, Andre Pretorius, Friederich Lombaard and Conrad Jantjes. The guys are all young and in their first year or two of Super 12 rugby – thus unknown factors and very dangerous to opposing teams. Hopefully the ball will be spread past Louis Koen, first choice flyhalf and their plan is to attack the gain line. Eugene Meyer was one of the best SA centres in the competition last year, his ability to “dummy” with his hips has flummoxed man y a defender and with Bobo on his side expect fireworks!

Alas, apart from the injuries the inexperience of the coach might be a damaging factor to the Cats chances however like Straeuli in his first year of competition Frans Ludeke might just surprise friend and foe.

The Sharks

The South African flag bearers in this competition, Springbok coach-elect (well almost certainly!) Rudi Straeuli’s team will again look towards a semi-final berth with a mixture of strong, disciplined rugby.

The team has a few injuries but such is the depth of the Sharks squad that there are test Springboks lining up as replacements. The forwards are loaded with a good mix of experience in Andrews, Venter, Smit and le Roux while youngsters like Sowerby, Carstens and van Biljon will look to fulfil enormous potential. The pack is mean, intimidating and streetwise so expect a flurry of possession for their backline.

Orchestrated by South Africa’s “best potential flyhalf” Gaffie Du Toit, the Sharks have a powerful combination of big strong players like Halstead, Snyman, Delport and Terblanché. Crucial to their chance will be the scrumhalf berth, if Davidson remain injured expect them to struggle, this team and their pattern depends on fast crisp service from the base the kind only Davidson has the ability to provide.

Stronger, faster and more experienced after a final last year, the Sharks team will once again be a contender especially in front of a fanatical Durban crowd.

The Stormers

The region with the Currie Cup in the trophy cabinet should start the competition as South Africa’s premier side especially after the magnificent brand of rugby they produced in 2001. Injuries however make Gert Smal’s team look a bit weak on paper.

The forwards are depleted and the loss of Kempson and Marais will be felt – Marais probably most because in Dixon the Stormers do not have a reliable lineout exponent. The former Maritzburg College student will need to lift this part of his game with a considerable amount for the forwards to be competitive in the lineouts. The locks except Hottie Louw are a potential weakness with very little depth however even with Springbok captain Skinstad injured the loose forwards remain South Africa’s best. Kri ge is peerless and his combination with Gerber will allow the public to see the full range of Adri Badenhorst’s skills not to mention Krige’s excellent captaincy record and ability.

The back division is the hardest hit, Braam’s departure will leave a gaping hole and true to prediction, his worth will only be proved by his absence. Paulse, Fleck and Rossouw’s injuries have robbed the team of brilliant attacking players who are proven match winners – this will be the most difficult aspect to replace however opportunities for youngsters exist to impress. De Kock and Conradie are arguably two of SA’s finest exponents at scrumhalf and neither would let their side or a Springbok side for that matter down.

Newlands, like Kings Park is a daunting prospect for visitors and expect the “men in black” to dominate at home through the sheer energy of their legions of flag waving fans.

Roll on the Ausies and the Kiwis!

mark@rugbyforum.co.za

Super 12 Squads

Forwards: Christian Califano, Justin Collins, Ron Cribb, Troy Flavell, Vula Maimuri, Slade McFarland, Kees Meeuws, Matua Parkinson, Xavier Rush, Mike Storey, Glenn Taylor (c), Blair Urlich, Samiu Vahafalou, Ali Williams, Darren Witcombe, TonyWoodcock.
Backs: James Arlidge, Rupeni Caucaunibuca , Steve Devine, Rico Gear, Doug Howlett, Mark Mayerhofler, Malili Muliaina, Mark Robinson, Jason Shoemark, Carlos Spencer, Lee Stensness, Hayden Taylor.

BRUMBIES: 

Tim Atkinson, Mark Bartholomeusz, Scott Barton, Graeme Bond, Ben Coutts, Ben Darwin, Scott Fava, Owen Finegan, David Fitter, Adam Freier, David Giffin, George Gregan, Travis Hall, Justin Harrison, James Holbeck, Tamaiti Horua, Pat Howard, Julian Huxley, Stephen Larkham, Tim McGann, Damian McInally, Stirling Mortlock, Todd Ollivier, Jeremy Paul, Cameron Pither, David Pusey, Peter Ryan, Radike Samo, Angus Scott,
George Smith, Josh Staniforth, Daniel Vickerman, Andrew Walker, Matt Weaver, Joel Wilson, Bill Young.

BULLS: 

Forwards: Anton Leonard, Chris le Roux (captain), Gerrie Britz, Danie Rossouw, Piet Joubert, Johan Wasserman, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Marco Wentzel, Matt Frank, Piet Boer, Jaco Espag, Danie Coetzee, James Dalton, Wessel Roux, Christo Bezuidenhout.
Backs: Johan Roets, Hannes Venter, Wylie Human, McNeil Hendriks, Gavin Passens, Giscard Pieters, Adrian Jacobs, Frikkie Welsh, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Boeta Wessels, Hakkies Hüsselman, Coenraad Groenewald.

CATS: 

Forwards: Delarey du Preez, André van Niekerk, Leon Boshoff, Lawrence Sephaka, Heinrich Kok, Willie Meyer, Baksteen Nel, Jannes Labuschagne (captain), Boela du Plooy, Wilhelm Scholtz, Kleinjan Tromp, Piet Krause, Russel Winter, Hendro Scholtz, Wikus van Heerden, Rassie Erasmus, André Vos, Joe van Niekerk. 
Backs: Deon de Kock, Louis Koen, André Pretorius, Gcobani Bobo, Danie van Schalkwyk, Eugene Meyer, John Daniels, Dean Hall, Friedrich Lombard, Jannie van der Walt, Conrad Jantjes.

CHIEFS: 

David Briggs, Guy Coleman, Nick Collins, Michael Collins, Scott Couch, Loki Crichton, Chresten Davis, Rhys Duggan, Jonno Gibbes, David Hill, Marty Holah, Glen Jackson, Danny Lee, Keith Lowen, Deacon Manu, Wayne McEntee, Keven Mealamu, Todd Miller, Deon Muir (captain), Kristian Ormsby, Tony Philp, Mark Ranby, Roger Randle, Bruce Reihana, Karl Te Nana, Mark Weedon, Royce Willis.

CRUSADERS: 

Orene Ai'i, Ben Blair, Sam Broomhall, Greg Feek, Corey Flynn, Daryl Gibson, Mark Hammett, David Hewett, Ben Hurst, Chris Jack, Johnny Leo'o, Leon MacDonald, Joe Maddock, Justin Marshall, Aaron Mauger, Nathan Mauger, Norm Maxwell, Richard McCaw, Andrew Mehrtens, Bradley Mika, Matt Mustchin, Caleb Ralph, Scott Robertson, Mark Robinson, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne (captain), Marika Vunibaka, Nick White.

HIGHLANDERS: 

Forwards: Paul Miller, Grant Webb, Sam Harding, Craig Newby, Taine Randell, Kevin Middleton, Simon Maling, Filipo Levi, John Blakie, Peter Bowden, Carl Hayman, Marius Mostert, Joe McDonnell, Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver, Tom Willis.
Backs: Jeff Wilson, Aisea Tuilevu, Romi Ropati, Ryan Nicholas, Paul Steinmetz, Willie Walker, Tony Brown, Blair Feeney, Byron Kelleher, Billy Fulton.

HURRICANES: 

Forwards: Campbell Feather, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Rodney So'oioalo, Brent Thompson, Luke Andrews, Dion Waller, Paul Tito, Milton Ngaumo, Gordon Slater (captain), Tony Penn, Jason Hooper, Tony Coughlan, Andrew Hore, Shane Carter. 
Backs: Christian Cullen, Daryl Lilley, Jonah Lomu, Lome Fa'atau, Shannon Paku, Brad Fleming, Tana Umaga, Pita Alatini, Bryce Robins, David Howell, Riki Flutey, Jason Spice, Brendon Haami

REDS: 

Forwards: Toutai Kefu, John Roe, David Croft, Tom McVerry, Rob McDonald, Daniel Heenan, Matt Cockbain, Mark Connors, Rudi Vedelago, Mark Chisholm, Andrew Farley, Nathan Sharpe, Mike Mitchell, Fletcher Dyson, Simon Kerr, Nick Stiles, Glenn Panoho, Anthony Mathison, Sean Hardman, Tom Murphy, Tim Tavalea.
Backs: Chris Latham, Michael Tabrett, Richard Graham, Wendell Sailor, Ben Tune, Damian Smith, Ricky Nalatu, Junior Pelesasa, Daniel Herbert (captain), Jason Ramsamy, Steve Kefu, Andrew Scotney, Elton Flatley, Paul Warwick, Jacob Rauluni, Sam Cordingley, Ben Wakely.

SHARKS: 

Forwards: Lukas van Biljon, John Smit, Ollie le Roux, Eduard Coetzee, Deon Carstens, Ettiene Fynn, AJ Venter, Albert van den Berg, Philip Smit, Mark Andrews (captain), Wayne van Heerden, Charl van Rensburg, Warren Britz, Nicky van der Walt, Brad MacLeod-Henderson, Shaun Sowerby.
Backs: Chad Alcock, Craig Davidson, Dave von Hoesslin, Gaffie du Toit, Herkie Kruger, Trevor Halstead, Deon Kayser, André Snyman, Werner Gey van Pittius, Stefan Terblanché, Justin Swart, Rodger Smith, Thinus Delport, Ricardo Loubscher.

STORMERS: 

Forwards: Pieter Dixon, Martin van Schalkwyk, Tjoepie van der Heever, Morné van der Merwe, Daan Human, Cobus Visagie, Faan Rautenbach, Hottie Louw, Quinton Davids, Thys Stoltz, Drikus Hancke, Adri Badenhorst, Bob Skinstad, Pietie Ferreira, Hannes de Kock, Corné Krige (captain), Hendrik Gerber.
Backs: Johannes Conradie, Noël Oelschig, Neil de Kock, Werner Greeff, Chris Rossouw, Francois Swart, De Wet Barry, Wayne Julies, Marius Joubert, Robbie Fleck, Gus Theron, Breyton Paulse, Egon Seconds, Pieter Rossouw, Jeffrey Stevens, Percy Montgomery, Marius Goosen

WARATAHS: 

Alastair Baxter, Shaun Berne, Matt Bowman, Tom Bowman, Matthew Burke (captain), Brendan Cannon, Ed Carter, Michael Choromanski, Tim Clark, Francis Cullimore, Tim Donnelly, Matt Dunning, Huia Edmonds, Manuel Edmonds, Mark Gerrard, Nathan Grey, Sam Harris, Van Humphries, Luke Inman, Simon Kasprowicz, David Lyons, Duncan McRae, Rod Moore, Patricio Noriega, Tim Rapp, Mat Rogers, Paul Sheedy, Scott Staniforth, Marc Stcherbina, Tui Talaia, Steve Talbot, Jone Tawake, Des Tuiavii, Phil Waugh, Jono West, Chris Whitaker

There have been many reasons for this situation, some unavoidable, but as chief executive and coach I have to take full responsibility. It has recently become apparent to me that the team needs a fresh face and a new voice to take it forward.    Francois Pienaar

I never thought about losing, but now that it's happened, the only thing is to do it right....We all have to take defeats in life.    Muhammad Ali

It was not that Ireland were poor, this was an outstanding performance by any measure. They could have scored another 3-4 tries quite easily had all the chances they created been taken...   Michael Lynagh

When he moved away and I saw the blood streaming from the eye, I thought 'Oh God, I could be in trouble here.    Martin Johnson

As an old Western Province supporter, the best thing for the Sharks would be sending Rudolf Straeuli to the SA side as their new coach. We South Africans, from the biased, badly informed press, to the average supporter have short memories, with numerous ideas, seldom based on any statistics or fact. We keep mentioning that this will be the Blue Bulls year. The only thing the Blue Bulls have produced in the last 20 odd years, is a world class kicker, not rugby player, a scrumhalf who has played for SA 5 or more years past his sell by date. 

Every year the Bulls win the Vodacom when every experienced rugby player in SA is playing Sopuer 12, and we again hear of their comeback. All 
they could ever do was intimidate the opposition with bulky forwards, and get Naas to kick the ball out 5m from the line and fall over due to average weight. Rudolf Straeuli fits right into this pattern, just bulk and no skill or brains. He has caused more problems for Natal who were a skillful side. 

The fact that Natal have been trying to intimidate the young Province forwards, openly admitted in the press, and not beat them with skill, says everything of the old Bulls and SA of intimidating the opposition, and not beating them with skill. The fact that we picked Japie Mulder etc as SA players, shows the lack of either ability from coaches and or players.

Someone has finally given some statistics of SA coaches, Nick Mallet the most successful of modern coaches, but highly criticized. We will pick Straeuli and show that we have not yet reached the lows we strive for. Karel Du Plessis and Gert Smal are possible the best SA has to offer, but still a bit unproven, have the guts to get the best overseas coach and fire the lot of our sports administrators from cricket and rugby. Replace them with our best ex sporting captains etc, and we will finally get so mewhere, instead of 'political sport administrators, both white and no-white.

C. Hale

The new season hasn't even started yet, and injuries, loss of form and new, rising stars can obviously make a mockery of what I'm about to say. But I predict that - bearing those three factors in mind - this year's Springbok team is going to look very much like this:

15. Percy Montgomery
14. Breyton Paulse
13. Robbie Fleck
12. Adrian Jacobs
11. Pieter Rossouw
10. André Pretorius
9. Johannes Conradie
8. Bob Skinstad
7. Corné Krige
6. Nicky van der Walt
5. Victor Matfield
4. André Venter
3. Cobus Visagie
2. Lukas van Biljon
1. Rob Kempson

Reserves:
Ollie le Roux
Willie Meyer
John Smit
AJ Venter
Joost van der Westhuizen
Deon Kayser
Conrad Jantjes

COLIN VAN RENSBURG

Geagte Redakteur.

Wat 'n vervelige maar heel interessante tyd het ons nie die afgelope paar weke beleef nie. Daar was nou geen Rugby Forum om na uit te sien nie maar dinge het van die veld af gebeur. Soos ek in my brief aan Beeld geskryf het, is 'n afrigter van 'n nasionale span nie vir sissies nie. Ek is net baie jammer vir Sir Harry dat hy hom laat boelie het deur die "groot honde" maar as jy nie kan saam loop nie moet jy op die stoep bly sit. Iets is verkeerd en ek gaan dit pront uit noem. Ons mister van Sport en sy trawante gaan ons hele sport en trots wat ons gehad het in die grond in trap. Plaas dat die man hom hou by goed wat hy van weet, en dit lyk vir my is nie baie nie, en Rugby uitlos vir die mense wat weet wat hulle doen. Ek voorspel dat die volgende wereldbeker toernooi na 2003, die Springbokke sal moet kwalifiseer om deel te neem. Die sogenaamde beleid wat die huidige regime propageer van kwota's ens gaan maak dat ons eens trotse rugbytradisie in die grond in vertrap sal word en ons teen Marocco en Spanj e gaan verloor. Ek stel voor dat die vet Mister van Sport sy spanne kies wat hy wil en 'n "privaat span" gekies word van spelers wat kan speel en dan sien wie is die beste span. Sy belaglike beleid gaan die land se eens trotse sportrekords onherstelbare skade berokken. Maar dit gebeur mos maar as 'n persoon onseker is van homself, hy hom dan op wetgewing beroep. Iets klink vir my so Piesang Republiekerig.

Vet Mister hou hou eerder uit goed waarvan jy niks weet nie, want dit lyk ook nie asof jy enige sport gedoen het in jou lewe nie.

Chris Erasmus

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